India Holiday Guide

Climatic conditions vary hugely across such a vast country but in general there are three seasons: hot, wet and cool - in that order.

Most people visit during the winter (November to March), when the weather is neither too hot nor too humid.

In Delhi, for example, temperatures can still be as warm as 30C (86F), dropping to between 10C and 20C in December and January; rising to 30C (86F) in November and March.

April to August is unbearably hot (up to 50C/122F) unless you are travelling to the northern Himalayan regions, when this is the best time to visit.

You can spend almost as little or as much as you want in India but as a guide, flights cost from £300-£450. Package trips to Goa are good value: around £350 half-board for seven nights in November.

Local hotels are cheap, from £20 upwards a night, but a more Western-style two-week coach and air tour taking in Old Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Khajuraho and Varanasi will set you back around £1,800.

Most people head for famous landmarks during their first holiday in India. Naturally, most will  think of the Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh, the magnificent marble mausoleum built for love.

Together with the red sandstone Agra Fort and the Amber Fort and Palace of the Winds at Jaipur, it makes up what is probably the most popular tourist triangle.

But there are so many other temples and sights to see: the ruined city of Sarnath, the sunrise on the Ganges at Varanasi and the Golden Temple at Amritsar.

The beaches of Goa are famous for sun, sand and a hedonistic lifestyle, but have become more westernised in recent years.

The beaches of Lakshadweep, a series of coral atolls off the west coast, are pristine but expensive to reach.

An alternative option is to make for the mountains. Northern India is bordered by the highest peaks in the world, the Himalaya. Daramasala is a fascinating cultural centre, home to the exiled Dalai Lama.

There's no such thing as a curry in India; the word is an English invention to cover all Indian spicing. Indian cooks have about 25 spices on their regular list; dishes needn't be hot but are always well-flavoured.

There are innumerable regional variations. Sample the street cooking: both flavour and experience are utterly unlike anything back home.

Vendors squat beside their karais (woks) or hotplates and take shouted orders for bhajas (crispy veg cakes), beguni (aubergine), samosas (stuffed pastries) and masala dosas (stuffed pancakes).

The best place to experience traditional dancing and music is at a festival, of which there are hundreds. Check with the local tourist board.

Large cities and traditionally hedonistic spots like Goa will have a selection of bars and clubs, but in general this type of entertainment is not as common as it is at home.

More popular is the cinema; entry is inexpensive and a Bollywood blockbuster is practically as vibrant and colourful as the country itself.

There are so many beautiful items to buy that you may end up shipping stuff home - but do bargain hard.

Carpets, pottery, metalwork, jewellery, leatherwork, textiles, silks and saris, woodcarvings and paintings are all tempting, but beware the dealers who wish to show you "my brother's shop" - they are working on commission so prices will hike up.

Also doubt those who sell you large items "all shipping included"; inevitably this is not the case and you will have to pay customs and handling charges.

Going on holiday to India with children is not the easiest thing to do, but the effort will be more than compensated by the experience that they gain from their adventure into such a radically different landscape and culture.

In the larger towns and cities you will find classic attractions aimed at kids, such as amusement parks, snake farms and children's gardens. The sights and sounds of India will engross all but the smallest child.